It is with a heavy heart we write this article. On Dec. 9, Thompson MLA Danielle Adams passed away in a car accident. She leaves behind her loving husband Bill and two children, her family and friends. We share in the sorrow of this tragedy.
Danielle was a dedicated MLA for all her constituents. She was a fierce advocate for many causes and always made Northern Manitobans her priority. She was a caring mother and partner, and she wore her heart on her sleeve.
Her passing is heartbreaking.
Elected in 2019, Danielle served as the NDP critic for child care, housing, disability and poverty matters. Prior to entering politics, she served on the board of Thompson Children’s World Daycare which helped inform her commitment to advocating on behalf of early childcare educators, parents and families in the legislature. She continuously pushed for quality childcare that was affordable and accessible across the province.
Danielle called things like she saw them. She fought hard for parents and against increasing nursery fees, frozen funding for centres or increased privatization. She worked hard to hold government accountable. Danielle wasn’t afraid to think big, and she worked with her colleagues to imagine and plan for an accessible childcare system that worked for many thousands of Manitobans that have been left behind.
She always wanted to recognize the important work being done by community members and organizations in Thompson and surrounding communities. She cared about their work, from the Boys & Girls Club, to the YWCA and Nanatowiho Wikamik. Danielle looked to build others up, especially those who worked so hard with people who need our help the most. Danielle understood that everyone mattered. She fought hard for a more equal society.
She advocated for School District of Mystery Lake support staff and for the government to address nursing vacancies in Thompson and across the north. And during the pandemic she fought for the north to have equitable access to vaccines and testing capacity as well as paid sick leave to keep people safe.
Danielle was a lifelong New Democrat who worked tirelessly for equal access to quality health care, education and good jobs in Manitoba’s northern communities. Before and after her election, Danielle was a trustworthy listener and community advocate for those in Thompson and beyond.
Our movement and Danielle’s colleagues will miss her deeply. Our NDP team, along with other members of the legislature, held a ceremony in her honour at the Manitoba legislature on Dec. 13 where a Manitoba flag, flowers and her photo were placed on her seat. We will honour her life and legacy by continuing to fight for the things Danielle stood for.
Our thoughts are with her husband Bill, her two sons, her family and the entire community of Thompson constituency during this difficult time.
With Danielle’s passing, the Thompson constituency office will be closed. If you or someone in the community need any assistance please reach out to our NDP caucus office at 204-945-3710 or email at [email protected]. We are here to provide support and assistance.
